Iago's Role In Othello

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The play Othello was written in 1604 during the Elizabethan era. Othello, the moor, enjoyed success in combat, which gained him a reputation as one of Venice’s most prominent Generals. He married the lovely Desdemona, the daughter of Brabantio, a Venetian Senator. Othello, despite his blackness, is a noble leader and Cassio his Lieutenant. Iago, serves as Othello’s ensign- an officer of low rank. Iago thinks he is worthy of a better title and resents both Othello and Cassio for their position. Iago was intrigued by Othello’s decision to appoint Cassio since he believed he had the qualities and experiences needed for the position despite having the “three great ones of the city” advocate in his favor. (1.1.9). Iago is threatened by both Othello …show more content…

Iago then brings up that Desdemona and Cassio were spending some quite time together. Women in Venice had a reputation of being “loose” which also aided Iago in convincing Othello. Othello demands proof and uses the handkerchief as proof. Iago brings up the time in his sleep Michael Cassio confessed, ‘”Sweet Desdemona…let us hide our loves!” and he also says “Such a handkerchief I am sure it was your wife’s –did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with” (3.3.299-301). The handkerchief was the first gift that was given to Desdemona by Othello and was extremely valuable to him. Othello begins to think that it is possible that she infidel to him. Cassio’s reputation of being a lady’s man makes him the perfect target for Iago. This leads to Othello latent sensuality in a violent, jealous and masculine form. Iago uses the handkerchief as proof to show the infidelity of Desdemona. Iago brings up the time in his sleep Michael Cassio confessed “Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary, let us hide our loves” (3.3.475-476). Then Iago asks Othello about the handkerchief that he had given to Desdemona and informs him that “such a handkerchief—I am sure it was your wife’s—did I today See Cassio wipe his beard with” (3.3.496-498).Othello is furious with …show more content…

Othello, despite deriving from slavery is a general, while Cassio has been promoted to lieutenant. In order to destroy their masculinity, manipulates both characters by undermining there weaknesses. He knows that Michael Cassio has a lust for wine and that makes Othello think that his prize possession had an affair with his lieutenant. . Desdemona has been having an affair with one of his staff. Iago’s inability to have traditional power translates to him attacking women. At the end of the day, even though he was able to accomplish his plan, he gains nothing from the mess he

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